Google’s App Store Ruled an Illegal Monopoly, as a Jury Sides With Epic Games
WiredDec 06, 2023
US Court Orders Google to Open up App Store For Rivals
Image copyright: Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
A US federal court passed a judgment in the Epic v. Google case on Tuesday, ordering Google to allow users to download third-party apps from its Google Play store for three years.
The challenge came from Epic Games, with a jury backing the Fortnite video game creator in 2023, dubbing Google Play an illegal monopoly.
The Spin
Narrative A
Google's Play Store practices clearly violate antitrust laws. The federal judge's ruling exposes the Android ecosystem's stifling of competition. By restricting smartphone makers, carriers, and developers from providing alternatives, Google had effectively created an illegal monopoly. This ruling could pave the way for more app choices and lower prices for consumers, challenging the tech giant's grip on the mobile app marketplace.
Narrative B
The court order forcing Google to open up its Play Store to rivals is misguided and potentially harmful to the Android ecosystem. It is based on a flawed premise that Android exists in isolation. In reality, Android has fostered innovation, reduced prices, and democratized smartphone access. The Play Store's current model ensures a secure, high-quality app experience for users while providing developers with a robust platform.
Nerd narrative
There is a 1% chance that Alphabet Inc.'s market capitalization will fall below $1T by 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.